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Carolina Hurricanes (14-4-0) at New Jersey Devils (12-7-2)
Date: Thursday, November 21
Time: 7 p.m. ET
The pick — Hurricanes ML (+100, BetMGM)
The NHL’s top two teams in expected goals (or xGoals) square off in New Jersey on Thursday night.
The Hurricanes will be on short rest after defeating the Flyers 4-1 in Philadelphia on Wednesday, while the Devils will be playing their first game in five days after last Saturday’s 4-0 loss to the Lightning in Tampa.
Normally, the well-rested team that is licking its wounds from the previous game would be the way to go, but Carolina is playing like the best team in hockey right now, having won three in a row and eight of its last 10.
The Hurricanes’ last eight victories have been by two or more goals, so that explains why they’re currently second in the league in goal differential at +30.
For Thursday's game, I’m playing it safe with the ML because Carolina is the road team. However, I’d be willing to sprinkle a little more on the ‘Canes at -1.5 (+210) since they’ve been that dominant over the past few weeks.
Season record: 8-8-1, +1.75 units